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9 PDFORRA: RACO 75TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE TO THE IRISH NAVAL SERVICE from PDFORRA 75TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE TO THE IRISH NAVAL SERVICE from RACO A Chaidre, It is a great honour as Uachtaráin PDFORRA, and as a proud member of an tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh to commemorate the 75th anniversary of our Navy, and to look back with great pride on the rich, varied and sometimes tragic history of the service. It's at times like these that we remember all those who have served, especially Leading Seaman Michael Quinn DSM who lost his life while carrying out mankind's greatest act of compassion, risking all so that others might live. Since its formation in 1946, our Naval Service has progressed through time and technology; from the steam boilers on the corvettes, to the cutting-edge technology on today's P60 class vessels. The role of the Naval Service has also changed dramatically over its lifetime, from initially patrolling out to 12 nautical miles, to Irelands joining the European Economic Community, and the increase of Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone out to 200 nm. The Naval Service has carried out a huge variety of roles throughout its history, including weapons and narcotics RACO is privileged to be afforded the opportunity to mark the 75th anniversary of the birth of our Naval Service. We extend our warmest congratulations to all sailors, past and present. In particular to the families, without whose support this exemplary service would not be possible. We also remember all those who have passed in service. Through the efforts of our highly professional personnel, our Naval Service consistently punches above its weight in upholding Ireland's sovereignty through the performance of regular Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO). In patrolling Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the NS enforces Ireland's sovereignty. As sovereignty not upheld is more imaginary than real, this highlights the vital importance of the work our Naval Service personnel conduct. Ireland is located in a key geostrategic location on the Northwestern edge of Europe. Our EEZ extends into the North Atlantic and is home to some of the most important trans- Atlantic trade routes, subsea cables, airline routes and some of the most plentiful fishing grounds in the EU. The NS maintains strong links with Maritime Analysis Operations Centre - Narcotics (MAOC-N) through Naval Operations Command HQ. Using the Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP), NS assets conduct surveillance and ground truthing on a daily basis. The NS and Air Corps are regularly involved in MAOC-(N) led operations to locate, surveil and interdiction. The 1980's witnessed the advent of UN re- supply missions. More recently we have witnessed the humanitarian missions in the Mediterranean, Operations PONTUS & SOPHIA, which filled the country with pride as members of the service brought their skill-set to the attention of the world and showed what a modern and professional Navy Ireland has. As the Naval Services history evolved so too has representation. Sailors such as our former General Secretary John Lucey (RIP) showed that through courage and leadership, collaboration between all the stake-holders in the defence community helps achieve better outcomes for all involved. As members of the todays Naval Service, you represent the very best of Óglaigh na hÉireann and we are proud to represent you. A debt of gratitude is also owed to the families and loved ones of our members, who continue to play a vital role in seeing the Navy take its place on the world stage. So, in finishing, I would like to congratulate and commemorate all the members of our Naval Service, past and present, who have given loyal and dedicated service to Óglaigh na hÉireann and the Irish people, and we look forward to facing the challenges that the future might bring together, united in the unique bond created by service at sea. The shared experience which turns colleagues into shipmates. potentially interdict Vessels of Interest (VOI). Intelligence gleaned through the efforts of the Naval Service recently facilitated an unprecedented seizure of €250m of hashish by the Spanish authorities. The Naval Ship, as a 'floating piece of Irish soil' is also a Diplomatic tool which can be deployed across the globe to conduct defence engagement operations; as demonstrated in the run up to the achievement of the UNSC seat. A welcome sign of Government's recognition of the need to invest in our MDSO capability, is the confirmation that it intends to proceed with purchasing a new Multi-Role Vessel (MRV). This new ship is likely to be designed to allow it the capability to carry out numerous different types of missions. It could be used to provide humanitarian aid in times of emergency in Ireland and in other countries, where conflicts or climate disaster threaten civilian populations. Our members are committed to ensuring the Naval Service is best positioned to respond when required, be it for Maritime Interdiction Operations, Search and Rescue, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, ATCA, ATCP, or Fishery Protection. The current retention and recruitment crisis presents an immense leadership challenge; it can have a major impact on output delivery and MDSO. The single point of failure for any operational unit is its personnel, as without them they cannot put to sea. The imminent implementation of the Working Time Directive will bring the need to invest in our capability and human resources into sharp focus. RACO will continue to advocate for improved conditions of service for our Naval Service members, to allow them to continue to proudly and professionally serve the State for the next 75 years and beyond.

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